If you like big, bold looks and big, bold sound, this Yamaha's a perfect fit

For

Sturdily built

choice of colours

big, bold sound

happy to go loud (ish)

Against

Sacrifices midrange resolution in favour of prodigious bass

restrained at the top end

Reviewed on 16th September 2009

The world'd not short of iPod dock systems, but your choice is severely curtailed if you fancy a pink one. Or blue, for that matter. The Yamaha PDX-30 comes in both these finishes, as well as black and the grey we're testing here.

It feels sturdy, and comes with a useful credit-card-sized remote. As well as iPods, it works with all iPhones.

With a lossless file of The XX's VCR playing, the PDX-30 wastes no time in establishing its credentials. It's solidly punchy and produces a remarkably large-scale sound for a product of this size, happily attacking the low frequencies.

Midrange is a touch recessedSuch assertiveness is at the expense of the midrange, though, where voices can retreat to the rear of the soundstage.

Things are a touch reticent at the top-end, too, where the Yamaha rolls off the highest of the treble information. This results in a sound that's either enjoyably refined or frustratingly curtailed, depending on your preferences.

More after the break

There's no doubting the PDX-30's overall competence, though. It's one for the shortlist.